As I sit quietly, watching the sun sink behind the Blue Ridge Mountains, wrapped in the warm spring air of North Carolina I take a moment to celebrate the changes in my life. Change has brought joy, doubt, growth, passion and confusion to me during the last few years, but I wouldn't trade the opportunity to do what I love for anything. The Buddha said "Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it." My world is made of laughter, creativity and being who I really am and believe me, I give everything I have to it. Each of us has the chance to live the life we have always wanted, regardless of age, gender, color or size; we just have to take it.

For years I did what people do in the early years. I wandered, wondered and tried a variety of career choices and jobs. Medical technician, graphic artist, metaphysical bookstore owner-I was successful at all of these endeavors, but deep inside, hidden from sight was what I loved most. The part of me that had been creating art since childhood was buried beneath fear, misunderstanding and logic. While I managed my bookstore (perfectly named Dream Street) I read a book called The Artist's Way, which unlocked a great, cosmic and happy part of me I had not known before. I began cartooning and painting in every spare moment. The ideas exploded and the response from those around me was encouraging and supportive. I saw change coming and decided I would take the leap, I would trust and I would create the world I wanted to live in.

When it came time to take action it was as if my guardian angel bopped me over the head with a neon sign that said "This Way" and my vision suddenly became clear. Everything we need to know is inside us. Our life experiences lead us to the present situation and using what we've learned along the way is an important step. In my 14 years as a metaphysical bookstore owner I encountered many spiritual people and I noticed a repetitive pattern humans can't seem to stop: we take ourselves too seriously! You know the attitude! I'm going to heaven and you're not! My prayers have to be more solemn than yours! The UFO's are coming, run for your lives! Please! Lighten Up! I suddenly knew I not only wanted to create art, but art that was functional, emotional, affordable and meant for those of us who are "special", the marginally enlightened and spiritually challenged. So the Great Cosmic Happy Ass Greeting Card Company was born and I quickly began offering mugs, t-shirts, magnets and other items in order to spread this message: laugh, create, follow your heart and be who you are courageously! Unlock your own power and as Rumi stated, "Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do."

Change happens a lot more easily when you believe in your ability to be a "choice-maker". I continue to see myself as a "choice-maker". I choose to create, to laugh, to believe in myself, to trust. Leap and the net will appear! Doing what I love has transformed my world and filled it with things I had only dreamed and imagined before.

This story continues, look for my other articles and read "Do What You Love With Courage, Laughter and Heart Part 2".